SUV Rod Holders

[toby3609]

Did you ever wonder why in-vehicle rod holders are so expensive.  I came up with an idea that I use in my 1997 Tahoe.  And even though it might seem like a small thing, it is by far one of the most brilliant ideas I've ever come up with.  To make this work, I use those little clothes hanger hooks that are located close to the "oh sh*t" handles.  I take one bungee cord a little smaller then the width of the interior of my tahoe.  I stretched it tight from hook to hook right behind the front seats.  This cord will allow the tips of the rods to rest on it.  Most SUV's also have hooks located in the rear of the vehicle (close to the hatch)  For these hooks, I took 2 bungee cords and twisted them before hooking them up.  Upon twisting the cords together, you will create several places where you can open and slide the handle through it and when you let go, the cord will snap back to being tight and securely hold all your rods safely over head and away from being damaged.  Mine cost $7.00 to make at walmart.  I just wanted to give you SUV drivers a heads upon this sweet rod containment system. 

[fishin_musician]

I like it. I have been using a bungee stretched between the head rest posts on the rear (kids seats) on my vans for a few years. I let the butts of the rods ride on the floor of the cargo space and let the upper portion of the rods rest between the seats on the bungee. Now that I have an SUV, (one of the vans got totaled this spring) I'll have to check to see if this would work for me.
thanks for the idea.

[fishman31]

That is much better that what i did to my old blazer.  I found mounting locations in the interior for my Rapala rod racks and screwed them in the ceiling.  A risky moove but after much measuring It worked great....  Now to only tackle hauling my ice gear.  It may be the cargo trailer year for me..

[toby3609]

I know what ya mean fishman31.  My old Bronco had so much crap screwed and bolted and mounted to it.  Thanks for the kudos .

[Carpy]

If I'm fishing alone (which is most of the time) I usually just slip my fly rod through the seat belts on the passenger side of my SUV and let the reel rest on the backside of the wheel well.. The rod tip winds up about an inch away from the passenger window AC vent. So far, no broken rod tips..
 
Works good for a single rod, but your system sounds great for multiple rods.

[toby3609]

Yeah I tried that too.  But I often have two nieces or a dog who likes to tag along.  And after a couple broken rods, I started to think higher and out of the way.

[fishman31]

Another slightly extreme option.  Fishing gear in the vehicle and all other stuff and passengers hop on the trailer.  Keeping the tranquiliy for ya.